Cadillac Imaj takes the fusion of Art & Science to the logical next step

The Cadillac Imaj, a high-tech concept car revealed at the 2000 Geneva Auto Show, extends Cadillac's philosophy of blending art and science to its logical next step: an all-wheel-drive ultra-luxury sedan with exhilarating performance and unprecedented technological applications.

With its crisp lines and sharp angles, Imaj is a direct descendant of Evoq, the concept roadster introduced in 1999 and the first embodiment of Cadillac's vision of art and science. Imaj takes its lead from Evoq in giving further tangible form to Cadillac's vision to be a uniquely American, global automotive leader in both design and ingenious technology.

'Imaj extends Cadillac's core technical values of precise all-weather-control, active safety and infotainment to an ultra-luxury sedan,' said John F. Smith, GM vice president and Cadillac general manager. 'Imaj changes the traditional ultra-luxury formula of heavy, long and consumptive to agile, useful and approachable. It has the flexibility, features, and power to transform from being a chauffeur's car during the week, to a driver's car on weekends.'

On the outside, Imaj's faceted, sheer forms exude a diamond-like quality, underscored by knife-edge coachwork, from its louvered roof panels, which opens the rear as well as the front seats to the sky, to its integrated front and rear aero panels.

Underneath the hood, Imaj features an updated version of the supercharged Northstar V8 engine that debuted on the Evoq. Featuring a liquid-to-air intercooler and continuously variable valve timing, the enhanced Northstar delivers 425 horsepower. The power is fed to all four wheels through an all - new five-speed automatic transmission.

Imaj also features Cadillac's acclaimed Night Vision system, which works both in front and the rear, to enhance the driver's field of vision behind the car. Obstacle alert sensors and rear vision cameras, which replace the mirrors, also enhance rearward mobility.

Aluminum space frame construction provides low mass and a rigid chassis. The Goodyear EMT run-flat tires, 20-inch magnesium wheels, Delco ABS and traction control and Brembo brakes are actively managed by an advanced, next-generation StabiliTrak chassis control system.

Inside its 5.1-meter length, Imaj expands the concept of luxury to include the artful integration of advanced technology. All four of the Imaj's seats are fully reconfigurable and feature in-seat heating and ventilation. All seats feature E-mail access and an individual LCD screen with DVD capabilities, navigation and entertainment, developed by IBM and Delphi. The rear seats recline and have footrests, like first-class airplane seats.

Adjustable pedals, seating, steering and head-up display combine with steering wheel mounted controls and shift-by-wire gear selection to create the quintessential driver-in-control environment. Adaptive cruise control manages following distances at highway speeds, while front- and rear-facing radar ease parking in close quarters.

Vehicle access is controlled by e-lock, a high-tech Biometric Security system that reads the owner's thumbprint. A pad on the 2000 Concept's door unlocks it, and one on the dashboard starts the car. The cabin is further secured by smart air bags and side-impact air bags.

The Bose audio system incorporates headrest speakers. GM's OnStar is on board, as are four individual cellular phones. All information is routed through the Communiport central server, which debuted on Evoq.

by Cadillac